Description
As I have been posting a lot of Fulani wedding hangings from Mali over the last month let’s look back at the traditional woollen cloth from which these more contemporary cotton textiles evolved over the last 60 years or so. This is an arkilla kerka, woven with natural dyed sheep’s wool weft patterning on a cotton warp. Unlike more recent cloth styles where the focus was on innovation and novelty, adapting old wool weaving motifs and techniques into new colours and forms, weaving an arkilla kerka required a strict adherence to a standard set of weft float and tapestry weave motifs present in a set order throughout. The finished cloths would differ only in the degree of skill and finesse of the huge weaving project demonstrated by a master weaver from the Mabuube “caste” of the Fulani. The weaver and his family would be hosted in the compound of the bride’s father for the several months required to complete the complex cloth using wool and hand spun cotton thread that the women of the host compound had spun and dyed. The completed cloth, nominally a mosquito net” but actually a prized expression of family wealth and cultural awareness, was hung up in the compound while the wedding was celebrated.
This is a very neat well woven example in excellent condition. Dates from circa 1960s.
Measurements 15’4″ x 4’11”, 466 cm x 150.
All items on this site are vintage. That means that they may have a few small marks or blemishes consistent with use. We will try to highlight any significant issues in the description above but in the event you are not happy with your purchase please notify us within 48 hours of receipt and you may return it for a full refund (excluding return shipping costs.)
